The New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association (NYMCIA) has expelled California-based MedMen from its ranks, an organization spokesman confirmed to Marijuana Business Daily, but the company said it has yet to be notified of such a move.
“(MedMen) didn’t resign, but then we threw them out,” said the spokesman, who requested anonymity.
“They are no longer affiliated with the NYMCIA. They are no longer part of the association.”
No further details were immediately available, such as when MedMen was expelled.
“We have not submitted any letter of resignation nor have we received any notice from the association that we are no longer a member. As far as we are concerned, we remain in the association,” Yi wrote.
The NYMCIA first raised the possibility of expelling MedMen in February in the wake of a lawsuit filed by former Chief Financial Officer James Parker, who alleged company leadership had used homophobic and racial slurs.
“MedMen’s CEO Adam Bierman is alleged to have made racist, sexist and homophobic comments targeting African Americans, women and members of the LGBT community,” the association wrote in a letter to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
The NYMCIA also said it intended to expel MedMen if the company didn’t voluntarily relinquish its membership.
MedMen is one of 10 companies that hold medical cannabis business licenses in New York. It entered the market in January 2017 through an acquisition.
John Schroyer can be reached at johns@mjbizdaily.com